The “last generation” is currently keeping the Berlin police on their toes. Police President Slowik wants preventive detention to be extended.
Berlin’s police chief Barbara Slowik is in favor of climate activists of the “last generation” being taken into custody for up to five days after blockades. “It’s about preventing repetitive crimes by groups,” Slowik said in an interview with the “Tagesspiegel”. This can also be helpful in preventing other crimes. Slowik cited hooligans in football or the risk of attacks as examples.
In the coalition agreement of the new Berlin government, the CDU and SPD have stipulated that they want to create the legal basis for the five-day preventive detention. So far, this can last a maximum of 48 hours in Berlin. In Bavaria, preventive detention is even possible for up to 30 days.
Slowik: Police are allowed to use force
In an interview with the “Berliner Morgenpost”, Slowik also commented on the debate about the pain grips that police forces sometimes use against climate activists during road blockades. If someone does not leave the street despite being asked to do so, the police use coercive measures. Because of the state’s monopoly on the use of force, the police are also allowed to use force. What is proportionate would be decided by colleagues on a case-by-case basis.
With their actions, the “last generation” wants to persuade the federal government to adopt stricter measures for climate protection.
